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Why Georgia deserves more appreciation from Europe

The mistakes of Georgia’s president should not be used as a pretext to neglect a pro-Western country.

European Voice

6/15/11, 9:45 PM CET

Updated 4/12/14, 9:31 PM CET

Blinking, yawning and scratching, the European Union is waking up to the idea that enlargement to the western Balkans is a pressing priority. Croatia will be in soon, Serbia next, probably Montenegro after that and then, eventually, Albania, Bosnia, Macedonia and Kosovo. It will take a long time, but each new accession will make the remaining ones look more anomalous. It also looks as though Moldova’s status as a black hole on the Black Sea is ending, though the institutional process has yet to catch up with the new political will now being expressed. The feeling of inevitability may be premature, but it is pleasurable.

The region certainly gives the Polish presidency plenty to work on. Nobody will blame officials and politicians in Warsaw if they are unable to also conjure life into relations with countries farther east, such as Belarus and Ukraine.

My big worry now is that Georgia gets neglected. President Mikheil Saakashvili has done his country few favours in his European diplomacy. He has disappointed the Poles, riled the Germans and burned sympathies in many other formerly supportive countries. Kosovo’s president was invited to dinner with Barack Obama in Warsaw last month. Saakashvili was not. That was a telling snub.

It is hard to remember the time when the Georgian leader was the reform darling of the Euro-Atlantic community, blitzing corruption with one hand, building infrastructure with another and trying to use soft power to win back the loyalties of people in the breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Georgia’s achievements were indeed a bit overstated then, but they risk being unfairly denigrated now. The handling of opposition protests in recent weeks was exemplary (casualties came because of reckless driving by a convoy carrying a leader of the protests). The authorities have learnt much since November 2007, when they sent riot police into the studios of broadcasters they disliked. Despite what some bits of the radical opposition claim, Georgia is not a dictatorship. The economy – amazingly – has survived both war and other attempts to disrupt it, including a systematic campaign of bombings and media smears. If you want a free-market, law-governed, multi-party success story, the next stop after Georgia is South Korea.

Georgia is also reverting, belatedly, to boxing cleverly in its dealings with the Russian republics of the north Caucasus: visa-free travel and the offer of decent higher education to the people living there undermines Kremlin propaganda. Given Russia’s mismanagement of the region, and the danger of a bubbling insurrection turning into a volcano, the sight of a pro-Western country trying to be a force for stability, prosperity and good-neighbourliness deserves a bit more appreciation.

Even those who cannot forgive the Georgian president for his mistakes (impetuousness, bad choices of his advisers and self-indulgence are among them) should not punish the whole Georgian people for their leader’s failings. It would be a particular scandal if Russia, for example, were to get visa liberalisation before Georgia.

In the past, EU neglect of Georgia was balanced by American love. But as Robert Gates, the departing US secretary of defence, said so bleakly last week, the US’s commitment to Europe is fraying under the weight of apathy, stinginess and disengagement from its supposed allies. Georgia is not a member of the alliance but bears its burdens gladly and admirably (rather like Sweden, but that is another story). This may not be enough to refrain US attention in future.

Neglecting Georgia will appease Russia, which likes to think that it can do deals with Europe over the heads of inconvenient small countries. That would be an appalling precedent to set.

The writer is central and eastern Europe correspondent of The Economist.

Related stories on these topics:

temour

Great Sir! I am curoius who else would keep on doing right things and sustain under the every-minute smear from media, individuals and “well-wishers”. Good message to European leaders!.

Posted on 6/17/11 | 5:25 AM CET

temour

Great Sir! I am curoius who else would keep on doing right things and sustain under the every-minute smear from media, individuals and “well-wishers”. Good message to European leaders!.

Posted on 6/17/11 | 5:25 AM CET

temour

Great Sir! I am curoius who else would keep on doing right things and sustain under the every-minute smear from media, individuals and “well-wishers”. Good message to European leaders!.

Posted on 6/17/11 | 5:25 AM CET

temour

Great Sir! I am curoius who else would keep on doing right things and sustain under the every-minute smear from media, individuals and “well-wishers”. Good message to European leaders!.

Posted on 6/17/11 | 5:25 AM CET

Davit

“The handling of opposition protests in recent weeks was exemplary” – are you kidding?

Posted on 6/17/11 | 10:39 AM CET

Davit

“The handling of opposition protests in recent weeks was exemplary” – are you kidding?

Posted on 6/17/11 | 10:39 AM CET

Davit

“The handling of opposition protests in recent weeks was exemplary” – are you kidding?

Posted on 6/17/11 | 10:39 AM CET

Davit

“The handling of opposition protests in recent weeks was exemplary” – are you kidding?

Posted on 6/17/11 | 10:39 AM CET

Andor

‘…blitzing corruption with one hand, building infrastructure with another and trying to use soft power to win back the loyalties of people in the breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.’
Bombarding peacefully sleeping Abkhasians on the 08.08.08 is NOT “soft power”.

Posted on 6/17/11 | 4:56 PM CET

Andor

‘…blitzing corruption with one hand, building infrastructure with another and trying to use soft power to win back the loyalties of people in the breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.’
Bombarding peacefully sleeping Abkhasians on the 08.08.08 is NOT “soft power”.

Posted on 6/17/11 | 4:56 PM CET

Andor

‘…blitzing corruption with one hand, building infrastructure with another and trying to use soft power to win back the loyalties of people in the breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.’
Bombarding peacefully sleeping Abkhasians on the 08.08.08 is NOT “soft power”.

Posted on 6/17/11 | 4:56 PM CET

Andor

‘…blitzing corruption with one hand, building infrastructure with another and trying to use soft power to win back the loyalties of people in the breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.’
Bombarding peacefully sleeping Abkhasians on the 08.08.08 is NOT “soft power”.

Posted on 6/17/11 | 4:56 PM CET

Alexandr Dronov

Dear Sir
The main idea of your article is – “The mistakes of Georgia’s president should not be used as a pretext to neglect a pro-Western country.”
The MISTAKES ! It is understanding situation in the NEW state.
You can compare situation with opposition in Azerbaijan, Armenia and especcially in Central Asia states with situation in Georgia.
I agree that the support do not be unconditional , but ,obviously, new state needs SUPPORT.
And it was the main idea of ” Why Georgia deserves more appreciation from Europe”.
Best regards,
Alexandr

Posted on 6/18/11 | 12:11 AM CET

Alexandr Dronov

Dear Sir
The main idea of your article is – “The mistakes of Georgia’s president should not be used as a pretext to neglect a pro-Western country.”
The MISTAKES ! It is understanding situation in the NEW state.
You can compare situation with opposition in Azerbaijan, Armenia and especcially in Central Asia states with situation in Georgia.
I agree that the support do not be unconditional , but ,obviously, new state needs SUPPORT.
And it was the main idea of ” Why Georgia deserves more appreciation from Europe”.
Best regards,
Alexandr

Posted on 6/18/11 | 12:11 AM CET

Alexandr Dronov

Dear Sir
The main idea of your article is – “The mistakes of Georgia’s president should not be used as a pretext to neglect a pro-Western country.”
The MISTAKES ! It is understanding situation in the NEW state.
You can compare situation with opposition in Azerbaijan, Armenia and especcially in Central Asia states with situation in Georgia.
I agree that the support do not be unconditional , but ,obviously, new state needs SUPPORT.
And it was the main idea of ” Why Georgia deserves more appreciation from Europe”.
Best regards,
Alexandr

Posted on 6/18/11 | 12:11 AM CET

Alexandr Dronov

Dear Sir
The main idea of your article is – “The mistakes of Georgia’s president should not be used as a pretext to neglect a pro-Western country.”
The MISTAKES ! It is understanding situation in the NEW state.
You can compare situation with opposition in Azerbaijan, Armenia and especcially in Central Asia states with situation in Georgia.
I agree that the support do not be unconditional , but ,obviously, new state needs SUPPORT.
And it was the main idea of ” Why Georgia deserves more appreciation from Europe”.
Best regards,
Alexandr

Posted on 6/18/11 | 12:11 AM CET

Ucha

Shame. 5 people died during the disperssal, 17 journalists inhured, hundreds detained and 40 people still missing. The author lies!
(casualties came because of reckless driving by a convoy carrying a leader of the protests)

Posted on 6/19/11 | 4:09 PM CET

Ucha

Shame. 5 people died during the disperssal, 17 journalists inhured, hundreds detained and 40 people still missing. The author lies!
(casualties came because of reckless driving by a convoy carrying a leader of the protests)

Posted on 6/19/11 | 4:09 PM CET

Givi Shaduri

This article is not reflecting the TRUE PICTURE about current situation and the ruling Regime in Georgia.
-more than 50% of able citizen are unemployed.
-unemployment benefit is not existing.
-social housing non existent.
-social health service non existent.
-standards of education well below accepted norms.
-salaries below poverty lines.
-labour rights non existing.
-pensions ($40.00 ) well below poverty line.
-prices for food , electricity , water have increased 5 times in last 7 years
-70% population live in poverty.
-1,5 million able Georgians have emigrated to Russia, Ukraine, EU.
( however, the ruling regime unlawfully and undemocratically using their”voices” in the ruling Party favour during election).
– well paid (more than $500 .00 per moth) state police forces have been spying on Georgian Citizen and intimidation is a NORM !
-Judges and Courts are biased and politically motivated.
-critics of the Regime have been declared by the Regime as “enemy of the State”.
The writer is right far too long European Leaders have their “eyes and ears wide shut”.
Now its time , that Georgian Autocracy , has to be reprimanded .
Otherwise , Georgian People will be forced to overcome their fear and to overthrow the ruling AUTOCRACY , I am afraid with bloodshed , because the Ruling Georgian Regime and their well paid police will try defdend their lifestyle .
Sincerely
Former Georgian Citizen

Posted on 6/19/11 | 5:31 PM CET

Givi Shaduri

This article is not reflecting the TRUE PICTURE about current situation and the ruling Regime in Georgia.
-more than 50% of able citizen are unemployed.
-unemployment benefit is not existing.
-social housing non existent.
-social health service non existent.
-standards of education well below accepted norms.
-salaries below poverty lines.
-labour rights non existing.
-pensions ($40.00 ) well below poverty line.
-prices for food , electricity , water have increased 5 times in last 7 years
-70% population live in poverty.
-1,5 million able Georgians have emigrated to Russia, Ukraine, EU.
( however, the ruling regime unlawfully and undemocratically using their”voices” in the ruling Party favour during election).
– well paid (more than $500 .00 per moth) state police forces have been spying on Georgian Citizen and intimidation is a NORM !
-Judges and Courts are biased and politically motivated.
-critics of the Regime have been declared by the Regime as “enemy of the State”.
The writer is right far too long European Leaders have their “eyes and ears wide shut”.
Now its time , that Georgian Autocracy , has to be reprimanded .
Otherwise , Georgian People will be forced to overcome their fear and to overthrow the ruling AUTOCRACY , I am afraid with bloodshed , because the Ruling Georgian Regime and their well paid police will try defdend their lifestyle .
Sincerely
Former Georgian Citizen

Posted on 6/19/11 | 5:31 PM CET

Givi Shaduri

This ARTICLE DOES NOT REFLECT THE TRUTH AND DOES NOT REFLECTING THE 70% of GEORGIAN POPULATION WHO HAVE BEEN EXISTING IN RAMPANT POVERTY WITHOUT SOCIAL HEALTH SERVICE ,UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, INTIMIDATION AND FEAR !

Posted on 6/19/11 | 5:40 PM CET

Givi Shaduri

This ARTICLE DOES NOT REFLECT THE TRUTH AND DOES NOT REFLECTING THE 70% of GEORGIAN POPULATION WHO HAVE BEEN EXISTING IN RAMPANT POVERTY WITHOUT SOCIAL HEALTH SERVICE ,UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, INTIMIDATION AND FEAR !

Posted on 6/19/11 | 5:40 PM CET

Givi Shaduri

interesting to see, will the” Economist” has guts and will power plus honesty of course to publish comments about the REALITY IN “saakashvili’s Georgia”?

Posted on 6/19/11 | 5:44 PM CET

Givi Shaduri

interesting to see, will the” Economist” has guts and will power plus honesty of course to publish comments about the REALITY IN “saakashvili’s Georgia”?

Posted on 6/19/11 | 5:44 PM CET

Ucha

Shame. 5 people died during the disperssal, 17 journalists inhured, hundreds detained and 40 people still missing. The author lies!
(casualties came because of reckless driving by a convoy carrying a leader of the protests)

Posted on 6/19/11 | 4:09 PM CET

Ucha

Shame. 5 people died during the disperssal, 17 journalists inhured, hundreds detained and 40 people still missing. The author lies!
(casualties came because of reckless driving by a convoy carrying a leader of the protests)

Posted on 6/19/11 | 4:09 PM CET

Givi Shaduri

This article is not reflecting the TRUE PICTURE about current situation and the ruling Regime in Georgia.
-more than 50% of able citizen are unemployed.
-unemployment benefit is not existing.
-social housing non existent.
-social health service non existent.
-standards of education well below accepted norms.
-salaries below poverty lines.
-labour rights non existing.
-pensions ($40.00 ) well below poverty line.
-prices for food , electricity , water have increased 5 times in last 7 years
-70% population live in poverty.
-1,5 million able Georgians have emigrated to Russia, Ukraine, EU.
( however, the ruling regime unlawfully and undemocratically using their”voices” in the ruling Party favour during election).
– well paid (more than $500 .00 per moth) state police forces have been spying on Georgian Citizen and intimidation is a NORM !
-Judges and Courts are biased and politically motivated.
-critics of the Regime have been declared by the Regime as “enemy of the State”.
The writer is right far too long European Leaders have their “eyes and ears wide shut”.
Now its time , that Georgian Autocracy , has to be reprimanded .
Otherwise , Georgian People will be forced to overcome their fear and to overthrow the ruling AUTOCRACY , I am afraid with bloodshed , because the Ruling Georgian Regime and their well paid police will try defdend their lifestyle .
Sincerely
Former Georgian Citizen

Posted on 6/19/11 | 5:31 PM CET

Givi Shaduri

This article is not reflecting the TRUE PICTURE about current situation and the ruling Regime in Georgia.
-more than 50% of able citizen are unemployed.
-unemployment benefit is not existing.
-social housing non existent.
-social health service non existent.
-standards of education well below accepted norms.
-salaries below poverty lines.
-labour rights non existing.
-pensions ($40.00 ) well below poverty line.
-prices for food , electricity , water have increased 5 times in last 7 years
-70% population live in poverty.
-1,5 million able Georgians have emigrated to Russia, Ukraine, EU.
( however, the ruling regime unlawfully and undemocratically using their”voices” in the ruling Party favour during election).
– well paid (more than $500 .00 per moth) state police forces have been spying on Georgian Citizen and intimidation is a NORM !
-Judges and Courts are biased and politically motivated.
-critics of the Regime have been declared by the Regime as “enemy of the State”.
The writer is right far too long European Leaders have their “eyes and ears wide shut”.
Now its time , that Georgian Autocracy , has to be reprimanded .
Otherwise , Georgian People will be forced to overcome their fear and to overthrow the ruling AUTOCRACY , I am afraid with bloodshed , because the Ruling Georgian Regime and their well paid police will try defdend their lifestyle .
Sincerely
Former Georgian Citizen

Posted on 6/19/11 | 5:31 PM CET

Givi Shaduri

This ARTICLE DOES NOT REFLECT THE TRUTH AND DOES NOT REFLECTING THE 70% of GEORGIAN POPULATION WHO HAVE BEEN EXISTING IN RAMPANT POVERTY WITHOUT SOCIAL HEALTH SERVICE ,UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, INTIMIDATION AND FEAR !

Posted on 6/19/11 | 5:40 PM CET

Givi Shaduri

This ARTICLE DOES NOT REFLECT THE TRUTH AND DOES NOT REFLECTING THE 70% of GEORGIAN POPULATION WHO HAVE BEEN EXISTING IN RAMPANT POVERTY WITHOUT SOCIAL HEALTH SERVICE ,UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, INTIMIDATION AND FEAR !

Posted on 6/19/11 | 5:40 PM CET

Givi Shaduri

interesting to see, will the” Economist” has guts and will power plus honesty of course to publish comments about the REALITY IN “saakashvili’s Georgia”?

Posted on 6/19/11 | 5:44 PM CET

Givi Shaduri

interesting to see, will the” Economist” has guts and will power plus honesty of course to publish comments about the REALITY IN “saakashvili’s Georgia”?

Posted on 6/19/11 | 5:44 PM CET

Nattoran

In Obama’s USA Georgia, like Israel may suffer lack of support.Fate of all formerly pro-western, pro- American countries nowadays

Posted on 6/19/11 | 8:06 PM CET

Nattoran

In Obama’s USA Georgia, like Israel may suffer lack of support.Fate of all formerly pro-western, pro- American countries nowadays

Posted on 6/19/11 | 8:06 PM CET

Nattoran

In Obama’s USA Georgia, like Israel may suffer lack of support.Fate of all formerly pro-western, pro- American countries nowadays

Posted on 6/19/11 | 8:06 PM CET

Nattoran

In Obama’s USA Georgia, like Israel may suffer lack of support.Fate of all formerly pro-western, pro- American countries nowadays

Posted on 6/19/11 | 8:06 PM CET

serge

Please, take a look the map where situated Moldova. I like your idea how Georgia makes soft pressure. Do you mean rocket systems and air bombs against osetian people? Great analys.

Posted on 6/20/11 | 3:12 AM CET

serge

Please, take a look the map where situated Moldova. I like your idea how Georgia makes soft pressure. Do you mean rocket systems and air bombs against osetian people? Great analys.

Posted on 6/20/11 | 3:12 AM CET

serge

Please, take a look the map where situated Moldova. I like your idea how Georgia makes soft pressure. Do you mean rocket systems and air bombs against osetian people? Great analys.

Posted on 6/20/11 | 3:12 AM CET

serge

Please, take a look the map where situated Moldova. I like your idea how Georgia makes soft pressure. Do you mean rocket systems and air bombs against osetian people? Great analys.

Posted on 6/20/11 | 3:12 AM CET

Georgie

The so called analyses conveniently omits the FACT that while ” eliminating low level corruption ” by using methods hardly comparable with real democracy , ELITE CORRUPTION HAVE SKY ROCKETED.
Previously “under Shevardnadze+Abashidze Regime” there were 10-15 families/clanes who had been”allowed ” to strip the Nationm’s Wealth .
Under Sakkasahvili and his loyal to him professionally incompetent firends
only Saakashvili’s INNER COURT/Circle IS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE STRIPPING GEORGIA OF ITS’S WEALTH, while majority population live in the xtreme poverty !

Posted on 6/20/11 | 6:04 AM CET

Georgie

The so called analyses conveniently omits the FACT that while ” eliminating low level corruption ” by using methods hardly comparable with real democracy , ELITE CORRUPTION HAVE SKY ROCKETED.
Previously “under Shevardnadze+Abashidze Regime” there were 10-15 families/clanes who had been”allowed ” to strip the Nationm’s Wealth .
Under Sakkasahvili and his loyal to him professionally incompetent firends
only Saakashvili’s INNER COURT/Circle IS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE STRIPPING GEORGIA OF ITS’S WEALTH, while majority population live in the xtreme poverty !

Posted on 6/20/11 | 6:04 AM CET

Paata Shartava

Dear writer , what Georgian People need is not appreciation(given for 8 year to the current RULER OF GEORGIA , but HELP IN EDUCATING CURRENT REGIME ABOUT REAL DEMOCRACY VALUES, COMPETENCY AND RESPONSIBILITY !
The trouble is that the current Ruler and it’s obedient MPs , have been appointing ministers only on the base of their loyalty to the ruling untouchable and lying autocracy , but not on the base on their professionalism, competency, integrity , responsibility . The commentators were right – Georgian Citizen live in Fear , Intimidation, Total Surveliance , and extreme poverty !
Therefore, Dear EUROPEANS, you are our only help !

Posted on 6/20/11 | 7:32 AM CET

Paata Shartava

Dear writer , what Georgian People need is not appreciation(given for 8 year to the current RULER OF GEORGIA , but HELP IN EDUCATING CURRENT REGIME ABOUT REAL DEMOCRACY VALUES, COMPETENCY AND RESPONSIBILITY !
The trouble is that the current Ruler and it’s obedient MPs , have been appointing ministers only on the base of their loyalty to the ruling untouchable and lying autocracy , but not on the base on their professionalism, competency, integrity , responsibility . The commentators were right – Georgian Citizen live in Fear , Intimidation, Total Surveliance , and extreme poverty !
Therefore, Dear EUROPEANS, you are our only help !

Posted on 6/20/11 | 7:32 AM CET

Georgie

The so called analyses conveniently omits the FACT that while ” eliminating low level corruption ” by using methods hardly comparable with real democracy , ELITE CORRUPTION HAVE SKY ROCKETED.
Previously “under Shevardnadze+Abashidze Regime” there were 10-15 families/clanes who had been”allowed ” to strip the Nationm’s Wealth .
Under Sakkasahvili and his loyal to him professionally incompetent firends
only Saakashvili’s INNER COURT/Circle IS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE STRIPPING GEORGIA OF ITS’S WEALTH, while majority population live in the xtreme poverty !

Posted on 6/20/11 | 6:04 AM CET

Georgie

The so called analyses conveniently omits the FACT that while ” eliminating low level corruption ” by using methods hardly comparable with real democracy , ELITE CORRUPTION HAVE SKY ROCKETED.
Previously “under Shevardnadze+Abashidze Regime” there were 10-15 families/clanes who had been”allowed ” to strip the Nationm’s Wealth .
Under Sakkasahvili and his loyal to him professionally incompetent firends
only Saakashvili’s INNER COURT/Circle IS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE STRIPPING GEORGIA OF ITS’S WEALTH, while majority population live in the xtreme poverty !

Posted on 6/20/11 | 6:04 AM CET

Paata Shartava

Dear writer , what Georgian People need is not appreciation(given for 8 year to the current RULER OF GEORGIA , but HELP IN EDUCATING CURRENT REGIME ABOUT REAL DEMOCRACY VALUES, COMPETENCY AND RESPONSIBILITY !
The trouble is that the current Ruler and it’s obedient MPs , have been appointing ministers only on the base of their loyalty to the ruling untouchable and lying autocracy , but not on the base on their professionalism, competency, integrity , responsibility . The commentators were right – Georgian Citizen live in Fear , Intimidation, Total Surveliance , and extreme poverty !
Therefore, Dear EUROPEANS, you are our only help !

Posted on 6/20/11 | 7:32 AM CET

Paata Shartava

Dear writer , what Georgian People need is not appreciation(given for 8 year to the current RULER OF GEORGIA , but HELP IN EDUCATING CURRENT REGIME ABOUT REAL DEMOCRACY VALUES, COMPETENCY AND RESPONSIBILITY !
The trouble is that the current Ruler and it’s obedient MPs , have been appointing ministers only on the base of their loyalty to the ruling untouchable and lying autocracy , but not on the base on their professionalism, competency, integrity , responsibility . The commentators were right – Georgian Citizen live in Fear , Intimidation, Total Surveliance , and extreme poverty !
Therefore, Dear EUROPEANS, you are our only help !

Posted on 6/20/11 | 7:32 AM CET

Gia Baramidze

I am Georghian and am troubled that writer , such as ” central & eastern European correspondent ” has such myopic vision , and only sees current economically incompetent and socially irresponsible Georgian Autocracy through “rosy spectacles”.
Writer of this article , don’t you see , Georgian people are IMPOVERISHED,STRIPPED OF THEIR WORKING RIGHTS , AND ANY KIND OF SOCIAL SAFETY NET, INTIMIDATED AND LIVE IN CONSTANT FEAR for being labelled by State POLICE as “enemies of the State”….

Posted on 6/20/11 | 11:42 AM CET

Gia Baramidze

I am Georghian and am troubled that writer , such as ” central & eastern European correspondent ” has such myopic vision , and only sees current economically incompetent and socially irresponsible Georgian Autocracy through “rosy spectacles”.
Writer of this article , don’t you see , Georgian people are IMPOVERISHED,STRIPPED OF THEIR WORKING RIGHTS , AND ANY KIND OF SOCIAL SAFETY NET, INTIMIDATED AND LIVE IN CONSTANT FEAR for being labelled by State POLICE as “enemies of the State”….

Posted on 6/20/11 | 11:42 AM CET

Gia Baramidze

I am Georghian and am troubled that writer , such as ” central & eastern European correspondent ” has such myopic vision , and only sees current economically incompetent and socially irresponsible Georgian Autocracy through “rosy spectacles”.
Writer of this article , don’t you see , Georgian people are IMPOVERISHED,STRIPPED OF THEIR WORKING RIGHTS , AND ANY KIND OF SOCIAL SAFETY NET, INTIMIDATED AND LIVE IN CONSTANT FEAR for being labelled by State POLICE as “enemies of the State”….

Posted on 6/20/11 | 11:42 AM CET

Gia Baramidze

I am Georghian and am troubled that writer , such as ” central & eastern European correspondent ” has such myopic vision , and only sees current economically incompetent and socially irresponsible Georgian Autocracy through “rosy spectacles”.
Writer of this article , don’t you see , Georgian people are IMPOVERISHED,STRIPPED OF THEIR WORKING RIGHTS , AND ANY KIND OF SOCIAL SAFETY NET, INTIMIDATED AND LIVE IN CONSTANT FEAR for being labelled by State POLICE as “enemies of the State”….

Posted on 6/20/11 | 11:42 AM CET

Robert Komakhidze

My comment is following: The more European Union give support to a local SELF SERVICING BUREAUCRACY , who have established their OWN SALARIES more than 45 times of average salary in Georgia ( where more than 50% are unemployed anyway, and pension is only $47.00 per month) whilst Autocracy is paid officially more than $5000.00 per month. The country ,where people have been stripped of their working rights, social housing and health service , where people live in constant fear and intimidation , where artificial “potemkin’s) scores means more to pompous self servicing bureaucracy than real live of common Georgian ….. I do not wish to live in this Country . And I am disturb that bureaucrats in EU and eastern European correspondent of well respected “Economist” refuses to see and report the truth and praises lying , self servicing and pompous autocracy
which claims supporting democratic values , but in reality remains Asiatic despotism dressed in European cloths.

Posted on 6/21/11 | 12:33 PM CET

Robert Komakhidze

My comment is following: The more European Union give support to a local SELF SERVICING BUREAUCRACY , who have established their OWN SALARIES more than 45 times of average salary in Georgia ( where more than 50% are unemployed anyway, and pension is only $47.00 per month) whilst Autocracy is paid officially more than $5000.00 per month. The country ,where people have been stripped of their working rights, social housing and health service , where people live in constant fear and intimidation , where artificial “potemkin’s) scores means more to pompous self servicing bureaucracy than real live of common Georgian ….. I do not wish to live in this Country . And I am disturb that bureaucrats in EU and eastern European correspondent of well respected “Economist” refuses to see and report the truth and praises lying , self servicing and pompous autocracy
which claims supporting democratic values , but in reality remains Asiatic despotism dressed in European cloths.

Posted on 6/21/11 | 12:33 PM CET

Robert Komakhidze

My comment is following: The more European Union give support to a local SELF SERVICING BUREAUCRACY , who have established their OWN SALARIES more than 45 times of average salary in Georgia ( where more than 50% are unemployed anyway, and pension is only $47.00 per month) whilst Autocracy is paid officially more than $5000.00 per month. The country ,where people have been stripped of their working rights, social housing and health service , where people live in constant fear and intimidation , where artificial “potemkin’s) scores means more to pompous self servicing bureaucracy than real live of common Georgian ….. I do not wish to live in this Country . And I am disturb that bureaucrats in EU and eastern European correspondent of well respected “Economist” refuses to see and report the truth and praises lying , self servicing and pompous autocracy
which claims supporting democratic values , but in reality remains Asiatic despotism dressed in European cloths.

Posted on 6/21/11 | 12:33 PM CET

Robert Komakhidze

My comment is following: The more European Union give support to a local SELF SERVICING BUREAUCRACY , who have established their OWN SALARIES more than 45 times of average salary in Georgia ( where more than 50% are unemployed anyway, and pension is only $47.00 per month) whilst Autocracy is paid officially more than $5000.00 per month. The country ,where people have been stripped of their working rights, social housing and health service , where people live in constant fear and intimidation , where artificial “potemkin’s) scores means more to pompous self servicing bureaucracy than real live of common Georgian ….. I do not wish to live in this Country . And I am disturb that bureaucrats in EU and eastern European correspondent of well respected “Economist” refuses to see and report the truth and praises lying , self servicing and pompous autocracy
which claims supporting democratic values , but in reality remains Asiatic despotism dressed in European cloths.